Rhys, who turns 14 next month, suffers from a severe skin condition known as epidermolysis bullosa, which causes painful blisters and sores and has also made his fingers fuse together. It also means Rhys is constantly in pain – so much so that his mother feared he was ‘giving up on life’.

In an effort to make her son feel better, Tanya Williams asked strangers to cheer him up with birthday messages and to show him that he’s not alone – and the response has been incredible.

This morning, 3,000 cards were delivered to Rhys’ house – which is in addition to the thousands of well wishes left on Facebook – and his mum says it’s made him ‘really, really happy’.

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‘It’s just been crazy. A post van came today with stuff for Rhys, it’s just been mad,’ Tanya, from Bolton, said.

‘I’ve had thousands of messages on Facebook, people turning up at the door.

‘I don’t know whether I’m coming or going, but Rhys is in his element. He’s at home opening the cards with his best friend. He is absolutely loving it.

‘He is opening each card and reading it, and he’s got his friend opening them too.

‘He is taking his time with each one which is why it is taking so long. He’s just so overwhelmed with it.’

His mum was worried that her son was ‘giving up on life’ (Picture: Bolton News/SWNS)

‘He’s been on telly in Chile. He got a card from Qatar today, and loads from America. It’s just gone everywhere.

‘I just want to say thank you. That’s all I can really say at the moment, I’m so overwhelmed by it all.

‘He’s sitting at home opening cards with his best friend and he is really, really happy.’

Happy birthday, Rhys.

Want to send a happy birthday wish to Rhys? You can send a card to 40 Whalley Avenue, Bolton, BL1 5UD.

What is epidermolysis bullosa

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a rare inherited skin disorder. The skin of those who have DEB is more fragile than normal.

Minor injury causes blisters which often leave scars when they heal. DEB is not an infection, it is not contagious and it is not due to an allergy.

There is currently no cure and treatment focuses on tackling the symptoms, providing pain relief, and preventing infection. It is caused by faulty genes which produce collagen, a strong protein in the fibres that holds the skin together.